Vice-Regal Saint: The Naval and Military Club of Australia
THE nation's most famous military club, which once boasted members such as General Sir John Monash and Field Marshal Sir Thomas Blamey, is on the brink of collapse.
Melbourne's Naval and Military Club is in danger of closing its doors after one hundred and twenty seven years of hosting some of Australia's (and the worlds) most renowned military personages, according to the Australian.
While technically not a gentleman's club (it accepts women members) it is still a club which deserves saving, and I intend to apply for membership to do what I can. But what else can be done to save such a venerable institution?
"THE nation's most famous military club, which once boasted members such as General Sir John Monash and Field Marshal Sir Thomas Blamey, is on the brink of collapse. The 127-year-old Naval and Military Club in Melbourne is saddled with debts of more than $10 million as a result of failed property deals and a fast-shrinking membership base. An independent audit report obtained by The Australian has found that the private club, which once hosted the Duke of Gloucester, Earl Mountbatten and Field Marshal Sir William Slim, could soon be forced to close its doors."
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4 comments:
Wanted: A few good gentlemen.
That's it, that's your solution. Any private club is only as good as its members, though this is much more than a club, more a national institution.
It does not look 127 years old. Very bright and way too much minimalist white everywhere for a traditional club. The original must have burnt down, not an uncommon occurence in the 19th century.
Yes, I do not believe the building is the original club building, unless it has been extensively and tastelessly redocrated. The article mentions a developer wanting to build a high rise hotel on the site, which would not be allowed if it was a heritage site.
I have been interested in joining this club for a while but due to my age and being a student I have not been able to, though this looks very bad for one of Melbournes oldest private clubs. Though hopefully with me becoming a naval officer soon I shall be able to obain membership and help save this institution.
As for the building from memory the club is still in its original building but has renovated the inside.
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